In the world of Thai amulets, the sacred object hailed as the ultimate treasure and known as the "Emperor of Amulets" is undoubtedly the "Somdej" amulet created by Somdej Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi), commonly called "Luang Pho To" among Buddhists. He was the former abbot of Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahaviharn, a revered monk with profound spiritual powers and deep respect since the early Rattanakosin era to today.
The creation of Luang Pho To amulets, or Somdej amulets, is distinguished by its sacred composition, especially the "Five Sacred Powders" (Padmang, Itthije, Maharaj, Phutthakun, and Trinisighe powders) blended with lime from seashells, cooked rice, banana sap, and soy oil. These ingredients are pressed into rectangular molds replicating the principal Buddha image within a crystal pavilion. The unique creation process and consecration with the "Chinabanchorn" incantation endow these Somdej amulets with outstanding and comprehensive spiritual power, earning them a place among the five most esteemed amulets.
Somdej amulets related to Luang Pho To Phrommarangsi and enjoying international popularity are categorized by the temples where they were made and enshrined.
1. Somdej Wat Rakhang Kositaram Regarded as the top and most coveted by collectors worldwide, Luang Pho To created these to distribute to soldiers, government officials, and the public. Standard molds include the large mold, pagoda mold, lotus bud mold, and base mold. Well-preserved pieces today can fetch prices ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of baht.
2. Somdej Wat Mai Amataros (Bang Khun Phrom) These amulets were created by Luang Pho To and given to a clerk named Dwang, who enshrined them in the main pagoda of Wat Bang Khun Phrom. They include both old cache amulets (unearthed before 1957) and new cache amulets (officially opened in 1957). Their spiritual power is equally potent as those from Wat Rakhang, but their material shows characteristic sponge-like patina from the cache.
3. Somdej Wat Chaiyo Worawihan (Kesa Chaiyo) Made to be enshrined within the Great Buddha Image (Luang Pho To statue) at Wat Chaiyo in Ang Thong province, these amulets stand out for unique molds such as the large seven-layer mold and six-layer solid chest mold. Their spiritual powers are renowned for promoting progress and stable status.
The spiritual powers of Luang Pho To amulets are recognized as "universal," with clear effects including great popularity, immense fortune, protection from danger, and the ability to support life’s prosperous destiny.
An essential practice for those who own Luang Pho To amulets is chanting the "Chinabanchorn" incantation, an ancient chant that Luang Pho To revised to invoke the Buddha, noble monks, and arahants to protect the entire body like a diamond shield guarding against evil.
If time is short, respected monks recommend chanting the short "heart of the Chinabanchorn incantation" three times to empower the amulet before wearing it, as follows:
"Chinapanjara Parittang Mang Rakatu Sapphatha" (Meaning: May the protective blessing of the Chinabanchorn follow and guard me always).
To receive the highest blessings and miracles from Luang Pho To amulets, success depends not on the amulet’s price but on the owner’s conduct. If the wearer upholds the Five Precepts, practices gratitude, and regularly gives alms and chants, Luang Pho To’s merit will protect and bless them to succeed in life.